"We've got to find ways we can put some sanity back into our federal budget," Peters said Monday on WDET, "and the way that sanity comes is not from Washington, but from places like the greater Detroit area.

"There's a lot of misinformation on the budget and where we need to cut, but there are going to be a lot of hard decisions, and those should be made by folks here in the area."

With the Treasury running the risk of default by early August, Peters has said he will only support raising the debt ceiling if the long-term plan includes serious steps to cut into the deficit.

Both Republicans and Democrats are aiming to reduce the deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years and reportedly already have agreed to $1 trillion in cuts, but the process took a contentious turn Monday when taxes entered the equation.

President Obama reportedly is pushing a plan that combines spending cuts with increased tax revenue. At the very least, the white House wants to end tax breaks for corporations and the wealthiest Americans. But Republicans are fighting any effort to raise taxes, arguing that spending cuts are the only responsible action.

Failure to reach a deal could mean a major economic disruption, according to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who has suggested that without an increased debt ceiling interest rates could spike, home values plumett and businesses fail.

So what's your take: What spending would you cut? Would you support any form of tax increases?

Let Peters know tonight. His workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Berkley High School Collaborative Center at 2325 Catalpa Drive. He's asking interested participants to RSVP online or by calling (248)273-4227.